At first, you might not expect it, but more women than you think experience (excessive) hair loss. It’s often said that men deal with hair loss more than women. Statistics support this idea, but the real difference lies in how both genders handle it. For men, thinning hair is often more socially accepted, and a shaved head can even suit some of them well. For women, however, thinning hair or bald patches tend to be a much bigger concern.

Are you experiencing significant hair loss and want to do something about it? In this article, we explain the most common causes of hair loss in women and how stimulating hair growth products can help improve the situation.

What are common causes of hair loss in women?

The most common causes of hair loss in women can be divided into two main categories:

• Genetically determined progressive hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
• Sudden hair loss (telogen effluvium) caused by hormonal changes

Genetic hair loss is common in both women and men. The key difference between the sexes lies in the occurrence of sudden hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations.
For women, there are specific life stages when hair loss often becomes more noticeable. Some women experience this during pregnancy, after giving birth (postpartum hair loss), and during menopause.

Of course, there are shared causes between men and women too. These include genetic predisposition, but also poor eating habits, vitamin deficiencies, or smoking.
Interested in learning more about hair growth? Check out our complete guide to hair growth.

Genetic hair loss in women explained

For many women, it comes as a shock: your hair gradually becomes thinner, especially on the top of your head, and suddenly you notice more scalp showing in the mirror. You’re not alone. This is a hereditary form of hair loss that often starts slowly but can eventually have a major impact on your self-esteem.

The cause lies in a genetic sensitivity of the hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a breakdown product of testosterone. Even though women produce only a fraction of the testosterone levels that men have, DHT can still play a significant role.

It shortens the hair's growth phase, causing hairs to become thinner, shorter, and eventually less visible, a process known as miniaturisation.

What many women don't realise is that genetic hair loss appears differently in women compared to men. Women rarely experience complete baldness or a receding hairline. Instead, there is gradual thinning around the parting and crown area.

The Ludwig Scale, a tool used to describe patterns of hair loss in women, shows three stages: from mild thinning to noticeable hair loss at the top of the head. However, the hairline usually remains unaffected.

Hormonal hair loss: causes explained

If you notice your hair becoming thinner or falling out more quickly than usual, hormones could be playing a role. Various hormonal changes throughout life can affect hair growth, from pregnancy to menopause, and even when starting or stopping birth control.

Below, we explain which hormonal changes can cause hair loss and how this process works.

Hair loss during menopause

During menopause, your hormone levels change significantly. In particular, oestrogen levels drop, disrupting the balance between oestrogen and androgens. As a result, hair can move into the resting phase more quickly and fall out sooner.

Many women notice that their hair becomes thinner during this period, especially at the top of the head or around the crown. While this is a natural process, it can have a major emotional impact.

Hair growth and hair loss around pregnancy

Hormonal hair loss is also common during and after pregnancy. Some women find that their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy, only to be shocked by sudden hair loss after giving birth. Don’t panic, this is normal and usually temporary.

During pregnancy

Due to increased oestrogen levels, hair stays in the growth phase for longer.
The result? Your hair feels thicker and fuller than ever, a little bonus from the pregnancy hormones!

After pregnancy

After giving birth, hormone levels drop rapidly. As a result, many hairs simultaneously move into the resting phase (a process called telogen effluvium), leading to noticeable shedding over a short period. This is known as postpartum hair loss.

It is completely normal and usually resolves itself within six to nine months.
However, in some cases, hair may not fully return to its previous thickness after pregnancy.

Hair loss after starting or stopping birth control

Some women experience hair loss after starting or stopping hormonal birth control, such as the pill or an intrauterine device (IUD). This type of hair loss is often triggered by hormonal changes that affect the hair growth cycle.

Certain contraceptive pills contain progestins with androgenic activity, which can cause hair loss in women who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.
Want to learn more about this? Read our detailed blog on hair loss caused by birth control.

Hair loss due to PCOS

Hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can significantly impact hair growth. This often leads to a combination of unwanted hair growth in some areas and hair thinning on the scalp. Find out more about how PCOS affects hair loss and what you can do to manage it.

Hair growth products for women

There is a wide range of products available designed to support hair growth in women.
These products work by improving blood circulation to the scalp, supplying vital nutrients to the hair follicles, or blocking hormonal influences that can cause hair loss.

The Neofollics Hair Growth product range offers a complete selection of solutions to help stimulate hair growth. This range includes:

• Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo
• Hair Growth Stimulating Lotion
• Hair Growth Stimulating Conditioner
• Hair Growth Supporting Tablets
• Hair Growth Enhancing Scalp Roller

With innovative active ingredients, Neofollics Hair Technology products effectively stimulate hair growth and help reduce hair loss.

Shampoo against hair loss in women

The Neofollics Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo is specially developed to promote hair growth. This shampoo gently cleanses the scalp and contains active ingredients that stimulate hair growth, such as biotin to strengthen the hair and caffeine to activate the hair roots.

For the best results, it is recommended to incorporate the Neofollics Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo regularly into your hair care routine.

Treatments for hair loss

Hair loss in women can be effectively treated with the right hair growth products.
Are you experiencing thinning hair? With a targeted treatment against hair thinning, you can help prevent further hair loss. These products strengthen existing hair and stimulate natural hair growth. Are you dealing with sudden hair loss? Then a treatment focused on moderate hair loss is more suitable. Such treatments often include the most effective products: a refreshing shampoo for thinning hair, a powerful hair growth lotion, and nutritional supplements packed with vitamins that support hair growth.

If you also experience an irritated scalp, such as itchiness, dandruff, or redness. A scalp treatment is recommended. This helps restore the scalp and can prevent further hair loss.

Combine your hair care routine with a scalp massage

Massaging your scalp with your fingertips in gentle, circular motions for 2 to 5 minutes during washing can help stimulate blood circulation and support the hair follicles.
This improves the absorption of nutrients, enhancing the effectiveness of your shampoo and overall hair care routine.

When should women see a dermatologist?

It is wise to consult a dermatologist if hair loss occurs suddenly, persists for an extended period, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as itchiness, pain, or visible changes to the scalp. A specialist can accurately diagnose the cause of hair loss and recommend suitable treatments.

Conclusion

Hair loss in women is more common than you might think and can have various causes, ranging from hereditary factors to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control. While men often choose to embrace baldness sooner, hair loss can be a more sensitive and visible issue for women.

Genetic hair loss in women usually appears as gradual thinning at the top of the head, while hormonal hair loss often happens more suddenly. Fortunately, effective hair growth products and treatments are available to support hair growth, care for the scalp, and help prevent further hair loss.

If you are experiencing sudden or persistent hair loss, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.